Investigating the Better Business Bureau as a Scam: ABC News Reports

ABC's 20/20 News Investigates the BBB: "Pay for Play" Allegations & Swapping A's for Membership

The Better Business Bureau, one of the country’s best known consumer watchdog groups, is being accused by business owners of running a “pay for play” scheme in which A plus ratings are awarded to those who pay membership fees, and F ratings used to punish those who don’t. In this eye-opening ABC News report, BBB is revealed to be unfairly selling A grades and giving F grades to businesses that refuse to play along.

"Right now, this rating system is really unworthy of consumer trust or confidence," said Connecticut attorney general Richard Blumenthal in an interview to be broadcast as part of an ABC News investigation airing tonight on 20/20.

The Better Business Bureau, a non-profit group that began 98 years ago, instituted its A plus through F grading system just two years ago, replacing a “satisfactory/unsatisfactory” ratings system.

One of the first to raise concerns about the new grading system was New York Congressman Anthony Weiner. Weiner was investigating complaints to his office about the popular precious metals dealer Goldine. Some customers had alleged they were ripped off after responding to Goldline’s television ads, which appear in heavy circulation during conservative talk radio and television programs.

Goldline responded to Weiner’s criticism in part by pointing to the stamp of approval the company had received from one of the nation’s most respected consumer groups.

“We are proud to be rated A+ from the Better Business Bureau,” Goldline VP Scott Carter said at a congressional hearing convened by Weiner in September.

Weiner told ABC News he considered Goldline’s A plus grade to be suspect.

Weiner and other critics say they believe the BBB has used the new grading system as part of an extensive tele-marketing campaign to increase membership and revenue.

Read more about the BBB scam here: Terror Group Gets 'A' Rating From Better Business Bureau?

Moving By Car? Calculate the Gas for Your Trip

One of our drivers happened to stumble upon this wondeful site while calculating a multi-stop trip from Charlotte, North Carolina to Moving On Up's South Florida dispatch in Hollywood, Florida, so we decided to share this with all of our customers who are planning to drive to their new homes.

This calculator determines the cost of gas for your one-way or round-trip travel based on the mileage to your destination as well as the year, make and model of your car! The gas prices and statistics are gathered by AAA's Fuel Gauge Report.

Hope this helps when planning your move! Thanks for reading and good luck!

Before You Move | Long Distance Moving, Part 1

The following series of articles is written by Mary, a long-time employee of our company who is moving through our company to New York in January. Follow her trials and tribulations as she embarks on a last-minute interstate move from our sunshine-y South Florida to the Big City.

Preparing Your Move - Transitioning into Your New Home.

Set the Date: Negotiate Your Last Day with Your Landlord.

For renters, notify your landlord a good month in advance of your intentions to move so you can plan your moving day on both your needs. If you're going to break your lease, discuss security deposit arrangements with your landlord and find out what his or her terms are. Schedule your last day a few days after your move day! When it comes to moving, anything that can happen probably will, so think ahead and give yourself some wiggle room in case your moving day doesn't go exactly as planned.

Tell Your Boss: Schedule a Window for Your Move.

It's usually best to schedule your move when you have a day or two off, or days you can get excused from work. Movers typically schedule multiple moves in one day (yeep, just like your darn cable company), so be prepared for any possible delays or rescheduling. Stress to your mover the window that you absolutely need to move, but also remember that your movers are people too, subject to traffic and the elements and whatever else the world throws at you on your moving day. If you are moving with your spouse or family, arrange a back-up in case you have to work so your partner can meet the movers, or the cable company, and everyone else involved in your move.

Post Office Pit-Stop: Changing Your Address.

I usually forget to change my address until long after I've moved and actually lost my tax refund as a result a few years ago. If stopping at the post office simply isn't worth the time and gas to you, sit your but in front of a computer and fork over a dollar processing fee at the USPS website and change your address online.

Clean Up & Save! Getting Back Your Deposit.

Based on your conversation with your landlord, it's probably a good idea to clean up your apartment and get deposit back. Recruit your friends, family and Roombas and get to scrubbing! A returned deposit is usually upwards of $700.00 in your pocket to put down on your new place.

Pre-Move Utility Savings: Call FPL & Disconnect Your Power.

Contacting the power company before you actually move is a great money-saver. When FPL closes your account, the power is switched back to your landlord (or future tenant) to be paid at a later date. But don't worry, the lights will still be on, even if you physically move out a few days later. :)

Phone a Friend: Crashing on Your Friend's Couch (Back-Up).

Interstate moves can be a tricky move, so I personally move out of my house a week before with a friend (or mom, depending where I am). Making a back-up call beforehand keeps you from having to sleep in a cold, empty house or forking over even more money for hotel and food expenses in case your truck is delayed or your move-in date at your new house or apartment is post-poned.

But Most Importantly of All...

Do NOT Multi-Task on Your Moving Day!

In early February, I received the outraged call of a customer who had scheduled the pick-up for her move on her wedding day - which she was flying to in another state! At this point, I've moved seven times in and out of state and no amount of planning has ever prepared me for the anomalies that delayed my long distance moves. These included a flipped tractor trailer on I95, a major hurricane back in 2005 in Broward County, and my house not closing the day before my stuff arrived in the city. Always, always have a back up plan prepared from the moment you decide you're going to move.

Happy hunting and good luck on your move!

Moving Single Items | Moving Furniture Cross Country

Today we had a call in from a customer who wanted to move a couch and an arm chair from Palm Coast, Florida to Ohio. If you have a small move for only one or two items, long distance movers that perform full-service moves are not your best option. Movers typically have minimum rates for interstate moves, so piggy-backing your small moves or single items of furniture can be more expensive than you hoped.

For moves of this nature, Moving On Up strongly recommends GoNavis as the affordable alternative to using a moving company. GoNavis even has an estimate weights chart with a vast list of home goods so that you can calculate an accurate low price for your small move. For more information, learn more by visiting the GoNavis furniture moving page.

How to Move Your Pets

Recently, quite a few of our long distance customers have asked if Moving On Up™ can relocate their dogs or cats in our moving vans and interstate trucks. It is not safe nor legal to move pets in the back of our hot and enclosed trucks, nor would it be very comfortable! Federal regulations prohibit any moving company from moving live animals or plants, and for good reason. So how, do you ask, should you move your pets? The following is Moving On Up's two cents on animal shipping.

Before You Move: Preparing Your Pet

Make Sure Your Friend Can Move Too.

State Regulations: Different states have different regulations on what animals (or plants, for that matter) can cross their state lines, such as California, so be sure to check with the Department of Agriculture for the state you're moving to to find out if there are any special restrictions or regulations you need to follow before you move your pet.

Community Restrictions: Many apartment communities and condo associations restrict the kinds of dogs you may keep by breed and weight. If you have a dog that is considered an aggressive breed (i.e. pit bulls, rottweilers, dobermans; etc.) or any other dog that is over 25 lbs. (standard leasing weight restriction), you should research what communities will allow your pet before you book your move. Many communities also restrict the amount of animals you can move in as well, so call ahead and ask about your local communities pet policies.

Exotic Pets: Most reptiles (snakes, iguanas, turtles; etc.), insects such as tarantulas, ferrets and even most rodent pets are considered exotic pets and are typically not allowed in rental communities. Reptiles also cannot be shipped on an airplane and must instead be shipped by parcel. We suggest using ShipYourReptiles.com to ship your snakes and other reptiles safely to your new home.

Pets Requiring Permits:If your exotic pet is genuinely exotic, such as a monkey, wolf, or even a large cat, ownership requires a permit, so check the state agencies to find out if you can move your special pet. This also applies to farm animals such as goats, cows and chickens.

Visit Your Vet.

Update Your Pet's Shots: Airlines require updated rabies tags and health certificates in order for your pet to board the plane. If you're planning to drive, updated shot records are also required to cross some state lines.

Obtain Your Pet's Health Records: Get a copy of your pet's records from your current vet or have your vet forward them to your new vet if you have already selected one.

Update Identification Tags: Your pet's ID tag should include their name, your name, and your best contact number and/or destination address. Birds should have an ID tag around a leg as well as on their carrying cage. Microchipping your dog or cat is a good way to prevent your pet from getting lost.

Moving Options: By Car or By Air

Driving to Your Destination with Your Doggy or Kitty.

Small pets like birds, rabbits and hamsters, can be transported in their cages. Birds are cold sensitive and frighten easily, so keep your bird cage covered and do not move in cold weather. Secure water bowls to prevent spills and feed regularly.

Cats and small dogs should be moved in carriers unless your dog is comfortable taking long trips in cars. Large dogs should be properly restrained with dog harness designed for cars or restricted to the back seat for safety.

Book a Flight for Your Friend on Animal-Carrying Airlines.

If you are flying, a small dog or cat can fly in the cabin with you on some pet-friendly airlines for an additional fee. Be sure to check with the airline to find out what regulations you and your pet must abide by in order to fly together.

Large pets can only be flown as air freight.Dogs, cats, birds and even fish are accepted by most airlines but exotic pets such as snake will require an alternate shipping method.

Moving On Up™ strongly recommends Animals Away Pet Relocation and Air Animal Pet Movers for door-to-door safe shipping of your beloved pets.

Moving On Up would love to help you and your pets move safely and comfortably to your new home. If you have any questions, or would like to discuss how to coordinate your move with your pets travel plans, contact us at 1 (800) 945-9569.

Moving On Up is Now on Facebook & Twitter

Big changes are on the horizon here at Moving On Up! We are embracing the Information Era and trying our best to meet the demands of our customers, providing as much information for before, during, and after your move as we can.

Due to increasing demand, we are currently working on providing up-to-date truck status updates on Twitter and an Existing Customer center on our website and Facebook page to better serve you.

Stay tuned!

Broward Featured Local Business Review for Moving On Up, Inc.

Moving On Up, Inc. was recently featured on Community Focus Online as the Local Business Leader in the Moving & Storage business category! Read more about what our community has to say about Moving On Up, Inc.!

2009 Best of Hollywood Award for Moving Services

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Moving On Up, Inc.™ Receives 2009 Best of Hollywood Award

U.S. Commerce Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement

"WASHINGTON D.C., June 8, 2009 -- Moving On Up, Inc. has been selected for the 2009 Best of Hollywood Award in the Moving Services category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2009 USCA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)

U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America."

SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association

CONTACT:
U.S. Commerce Association
PublicRelations@us-ca.org
http://www.us-ca.org

More Testimonials

South Florida Commercial Relocation

More thank you letters for the excellent care and service provided by our leading foreman, Isaac, and his team:

 Moving On Up

The crew was very well organized, and worked as a team. Not only did they move the furniture but gave excellent advice on how to arrange in the offices.


Extra help was given with the setup of the furniture that wasn't in such good repair.


Above all, they smiled as we (I) got in their way. I would recommend this company to other businesses or private individuals. 

Thanks,

Sylvia

---

Edit:

Some recent testimonials for two residential moves delivered by our dispatch office in Orlando, Florida:

Moving On UpCustomer Claims Policy

Here at Moving On Up, Inc.™ customer satisfaction is our highest priority. The moving industry is known to be of ill-reputation - especially in Florida - and as a result, our company has worked very hard to establish a trustworthy and reputable service to protect the valued items of the families and offices that we move.

As with any large company that has been in business for a prolonged period of time, there are occasions when our customers and our staff do not see eye to eye. Moving On Up™ thus offers arbitration through an independent customer service agency in the event that any damage or loss has occurred during a move. While we cannot guarantee that every claimant will be satisfied with the outcome of their claim, we nonetheless aim to provide professional and courteous service to all of our customers.

Know Your Rights.

In order to file a claim the U.S. Department of Transportation regulations for filing a claim (Part 370: Principles and Practices for the Investigation and Voluntary Disposition of Loss and Damage Claims and Processing Salvage) states that a detailed letter must be mailed or emailed to the office of the moving company in question for review by said company's claims department. Our company requests proper documentation (such as pictures, a detailed letter, and the original copies of the relocation documents signed upon pick up and delivery) to process a claim.

Breakdown of the Claim Process.

The following is an excerpt from attorney David Piotrowski, Esq. regarding Household Goods Claims:

...[A] claim must be filed in writing with the carrier within nine (9) months from either 1) the date of delivery (or in the event of total loss, on the date the shipment should have been delivered), or 2) the date of conversion from Storage in Transit to permanent storage. The shipper can file a claim at any time during these nine (9) months, but not later.

After the shipper files the claim with the carrier, the carrier has thirty (30) days to acknowledge receipt of the claim. The carrier has no obligation to respond immediately after receiving a claim, and it is often in the shipper’s best interest not to constantly contact the carrier as this may aggravate the issue. The carrier will need time to review, gather the paperwork, analyze the merits of the claim, and draft a response. The carrier has one hundred and twenty (120) days from receipt of the claim to either pay, decline to pay, or offer a settlement to the shipper. At the end of the one hundred and twenty (120) days, the carrier may receive an extension of an additional sixty (60) days...

If Moving On Up™ determines that a claim is not due to the negligence of our staff, a detailed statement will be provided to the customer for their records. We acknowledge and accept our duty to compensate our customers for loss or damage to their property by the agreed liability valuation of 60 cents per pound per article, as required by law. for this reason we strongly suggest that all customers..

Purchase Moving Insurance!

If you are experiencing any concerns with your move, please contact your Moving On Up™ agent and ask to file a report with our Claims Department. If you're considering moving with our company, be sure to request information on your insurance options from www.MovingInsurance.com.

Good luck with your moving search! We hope to hear from you soon!

Sincerely yours,

Haim Shalem

Customer Claims Supervisor